Beck headed the LAPD's Detective Bureau and oversaw the testing of thousands of untested rape kits. He was also credited with overseeing the rehabilitation of the Rampart Division after its corruption scandal became a nightmare for the police department.

Beck, 56, has been with the LAPD for 32 years. His son is about to graduate from the LAPD's Police Academy, and his daughter is an officer who works out of Hollywood Division station. His father was a deputy chief.

"Chief Beck will serve the city well," said Paul Weber, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League. "In our conversations with him, we have emphasized the concerns of the rank-and-file police officers as well as the community, and we are confident he will be responsive to the needs of both. We reaffirm our pledge to work with the new Chief and his command staff to continue improving the Department and combating crime....He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, having started his career as an LAPD Reserve Officer before going full time and working his way up to Deputy Chief."